St Christopher's Inn Edinburgh

St Christopher's Inn Edinburgh is one of the city's best-known and most conveniently located budget hostels, occupying premises at 9–13 Market Street in the Old Town, directly below the Royal Mile and approximately a two-minute walk from Waverley Station. The St Christopher's chain has operated European hostels for over two decades, and the Edinburgh branch benefits from one of the best-positioned hostel addresses in the city — close enough to both the main sights and the railway station to serve virtually any Edinburgh itinerary. Market Street runs between the foot of the Royal Mile and the Waverley Station concourse, making it a natural point of entry for travellers arriving by train. The hostel offers a range of accommodation types, from large mixed-sex dormitory rooms sleeping up to 10 or more guests, to smaller four- and six-bed dorms and private en-suite rooms for those who prefer more privacy at a price still well below standard hotels. Bedding and towels are provided in all room categories, and secure lockers are available in dormitory rooms. The hostel bar is a major social feature and one of the Old Town's livelier budget drinking venues, serving competitively priced Scottish ales, lagers, and spirits. The bar regularly hosts quiz nights, DJ events, and social activities that help connect solo travellers and groups. A self-catering kitchen allows guests to prepare their own food, and common areas provide comfortable spaces for meeting fellow travellers and planning itineraries. A luggage storage service is available, which is particularly useful for guests arriving on early trains or checking out before late flights. St Christopher's Edinburgh is particularly popular during the Edinburgh Festival in August, when the hostel fills almost immediately and prices rise accordingly. The Royal Mile, Edinburgh Castle, and Waverley Station are all within a two-to-five-minute walk.